Indore, Nov 20: NCP president Sharad Pawar today said that the Maharashtra government should seek help from the Central investigative agencies in the multi-crore fake stamp-paper scam, while praising the state's police for their thorough investigations in the matter. "Since the matter (fake stamp and stamp-paper scam) has surfaced in Delhi, Kolkata and Andhra Pradesh among other states, it would be better if Maharashtra government seeks the help of the Central investigative agencies in the matter," Pawar, whose party is a main partner in the DF government, told reporters at Indore Press Club here.

However, praising the investigations conducted by state police in the matter, Pawar said, "It would not be proper to handover the matter to CBI and take it away from the state police as it may affect their morale.”

"The matter is sub-judice in the high court and the court may also give a direction in this regard," Pawar added. On the issue of involvement of Maharashtra deputy chief minister Chhagan Bhujbal in the scam, the NCP president said those who have issued a statement in this regard have acted in an "irresponsible" manner.

"There is no base in it and if anybody belonging to the NCP is found involved in the scam, the party would take action against him," Pawar added.
Bureau Report